TheLeaderInside.com

This wonderful story is one I believe to be true, but I don’t have any idea who wrote it or where I first heard about it. It happened into my life again over the past week, and I wanted to share it with all of you. I hope you find it as meaningful as it was (and is) for me.

Enjoy!

~~~ DBL-R

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An elderly woman knew that she was nearing the end of her life and asked the preacher from her church to meet with her to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. He came to her house, and over afternoon tea, they talked about the songs she wanted sung at her service, what scriptures she would like to have read, and other details.

At last, all was in order and the preacher was preparing to leave when the woman said suddenly, “Oh, and there’s one more thing.”

” What’s that?” the preacher asked.

“I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”

The preacher had heard unusual requests before, but never this one.

“Why a fork?” he gently inquired.

The woman explained. “In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I recall that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘ Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite part of every dinner occasion because I knew it meant that something even better was coming, something like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance! So, I just want the folks who attend my service to see me with a fork in my hand, and I want them to wonder What’s with the fork?

Then I want you to tell them, ‘ Keep your fork because the best is yet to come!’ ”

The preacher was moved to tears as he hugged the woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of their last visits. But he also knew this woman had a better grasp of heaven than even he had. She knew that something better was coming.

Many people attended the woman’s service. As they paid their respects, they couldn’t help but notice the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the preacher heard the question, What’s with the fork? And over and over, he smiled and told them their question would be answered soon.

During his message to the assembled mourners, the preacher told the story of the conversation he and the woman had had only a short time before. He told them about the fork, about what it symbolized to her, and that he could not stop thinking about the fork. Then he smiled knowingly and said, “And now you probably won’t be able to stop thinking about it either.”

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He was right. I think of this woman and her powerful message every time I reach for a fork. My wish for you is that you also remember, each time you reach for your fork, that the best is yet to come.”

And then keep your fork.

~~ DBL-R